Microbial Extracellular Polymeric Substances: Characterization, Structure and Function

✍ Scribed by Jost Wingender, Thomas R. Neu (auth.), Dr. Jost Wingender, Dr. Thomas R. Neu, Prof. Dr. Hans-Curt Flemming (eds.)

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 265
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment. In this volume, analysis, characterization, composition, regulation, function and interactions of microbial EPS are covered.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages I-XIV
What are Bacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substances?....Pages 1-19
In Situ Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in Biofilm Systems....Pages 21-47
Extraction of EPS....Pages 49-72
Biofilm Exopolysaccharides....Pages 73-92
Regulation of Matrix Polymer in Biofilm Formation and Dispersion....Pages 93-117
Exopolymers of Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria....Pages 119-126
Analysis and Function of the EPS from the Strong Acidophile Thiobacillus ferrooxidans....Pages 127-141
Physical and Chemical Properties of Extracellular Polysaccharides Associated with Biofilms and Related Systems....Pages 143-154
Chemical Communication Within Microbial Biofilms: Chemotaxis and Quorum Sensing in Bacterial Cells....Pages 155-169
Function of EPS....Pages 171-200
Polysaccharases in Biofilms — Sources — Action — Consequences!....Pages 201-216
Extracellular Enzymes Within Microbial Biofilms and the Role of the Extracellular Polymer Matrix....Pages 217-230
Interaction Between Extracellular Polysaccharides and Enzymes....Pages 231-251
Back Matter....Pages 253-258

✦ Subjects

Microbiology; Biotechnology; Biochemistry, general; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Food Science; Waste Water Technology / Water Pollution Control / Water Management / Aquatic Pollution